Inland Empire Wine-A Taste of Paso Robles Wines

Saturday August 9, 2008 … NapaCabs.com

Paso Robles was named for its local oak trees, El Paso Robles: The Pass of the Oaks. The name was shortened to Paso Robles when California gained its independence from Mexico in the mid 1800s.

Today, Paso Robles is home to more then 170 wineries and 26,000 vineyard acres focusing on premium wine production The distinct microclimates and diverse soils, combined with warm days and cool nights, make growing conditions ideal for producing more then 40 wine varietals from Cabernet and Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, and to Zinfandel, the area’s heritage wine variety.

Tablas Creek 2006 Rose Paso Robles $21.95

WA 90pts. - WE 90pts. - IWC 90pts. - Blend: 60% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 12% Counoise The 2006 Rose is rich, ripe, and full of spice and fruit. It has aromatics of sage and juniper, as well as white plum and watermelon, flavors of ripe strawberries, fresh acidity and a lingering finish.

Opolo 2006 Zinfandel Paso Robles Summit Creek $15.95

This big, bold "In Your Face" style Zinfandel starts with aromas of raspberries, boysenberries, earth and spice. This wine hits you up front, hits you in the middle and continues to deliver gobs of fresh fruit and spicy pepper through the long, lingering finish. The subtle hints of vanilla are from twelve months of neutral oak aging.

Rosenblum 2006 Zinfandel Paso Robles Richard Sauret Vineyards $18.95

This is a rich and exotic, fruit-packed Zinfandel. A bouquet of ripe black currant and blackberry with creamy cherry essences is followed by flavors of briary raspberry and vanilla with hints of earth and black pepper spice.

Justin 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $21.95

The 2006 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is dark red with a crimson hue. Aromas of raspberry, bing cherry, mushroom, and an assortment of spice, vanilla and leather make up the nose. A soft, fruit forward entry is accented by a touch of vanilla. The mid palate balances acidity and structure to produce a velvety mouth feel. The finish contains soft, yet prevalent tannins with hints of caramel, cedar and toasted oak.

Sinor-LaVallee 2003 Syrah Paso Robles Ryan Road Vineyard $26.95

Ripe and balanced, with inviting depth and supple texture to black cherry, game, mineral and toasty oak tones. Spice, roasted herb and round tannins shape a concentrated finish.

Villa Creek 2006 Paso Robles Willow Creek Cuvee $34.95

Willow Creek Cuvée is always a blend of grapes from Denner and James Berry Vineyards. The 2006 cuvée displays richness, balance and finesse. This wine is a blend of; 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. The appearance is dark ruby. On the nose there is bacon fat and cherry cola, earth and meat. Nice combination of red and black fruits, spice, meat, coffee and cocoa. Harmonious integration of tannin and acid.